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Monday, May 21, 2012

1887 autograph album of Charles L. Hardy of Lexington, Maine

Autograph album started in 1887 by Charles L. Hardy of Lexington, Maine. It's a small one, with a lovely design of birds and a birdhouse on the cover.

The album is approximately 5-1/2" x 3-1/2" and contains 58 autograph of relatives and friends, as well as a Victorian scrap and the calling card of Charles' nephew, Liston Leroy Hardy.

Charles L. Hardy was born about 1873 at Lexington, Maine, the son of Warren and Lydia (Young) Hardy, who were born in Anson, Maine, and Embden, Maine, respectively. Charles' mother and sister Flora signed pages on 24 January 1887. If this album was a birthday gift, perhaps Charles was born on 24 January 1873.Sadly, Charles died on 25 April 1893 at Concord, Maine, six years after starting his album.Charles' mother Lydia signed a page in his album.

Charles paternal grandparents were Isaac and Polly (Jennings) Hardy. His maternal grandparents were Jacob and Sarah (Towne) Young.Charles' as yet unmarried sisters Flora Hardy and Phylona Hardy signed pages in his album.

Charles' married sister Nancy (Hardy) Dunton signed a page:

Charles' married sister Clara M. (Hardy) Parker signed a page, as did her husband Aaron:

Three women with the surname Young, who may have been related to Charles' mother Lydia (Young) Hardy, signed pages. Lizzie called herself Charles' cousin.Ann Young of Lexington, Maine:

Lizzie May Young of North New Portland, Maine:

Nellie M. Young of North New Portland, Maine:

At some point after Charles' death, the calling card of his nephew Liston Leroy Hardy found its way into the album:

2 comments:

Pam, Thank you for posting this! It was such a surprise to see my 3rd- Great Grandmother's (Lydia Young Hardy)handwriting. I don't know much about my family history, but I am learning. My 2nd great uncle is Liston L. Hardy. What a lovely calling card. I would love to learn more about this autograph album and any other part of their history. Thank you so much!. Sincerely, Julie Nath